James Paul Ponder Jr.

James Paul Ponder Jr., 67, of North Vernon, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his residence. 

Born April 18, 1958, in Seymour, he was the son of Ernestine (Huey) Ponder, and the late James Paul Ponder Sr. 

James was a skilled Labor Union Carpenter, who enjoyed riding motorcycles and racing dirt cars. He loved spending time with his son, eating steak and spending time with his dog Karma. James was always willing to help anyone and was known as the fun Uncle. 

Survivors include his son, Jimmy Burkhart (KJ Olmstead) of Cincinnati; his daughter, Ashley Burkhart of Seymour; his mother, Ernestine Ponder of Somerset, Kentucky; his twin brother, John (Susie) Ponder of Seymour; sister Sandra (Chuck) McKinney of Tennessee, Debbie Mellencamp of Kentucky and Brenda Thompson of Seymour; grandchildren, Shea Hankins (Daniel Hall), Macy Jackson, Moses Jackson, Lance Roark, Jaylee Burkhart and Jozie Wheeler, of Seymour, Cadence Burkhart and Jesse Burkhart, both of Freetown, and Jamey Burkhart of Cincinnati; great-grandchildren, Mallory Hankins and Harvey Hall, both of Seymour; nieces and nephews, Amanda Sutton of Tennessee, Stephanie Ponder and Abby (Lucas) D’Orazio, both of Michigan, Jessica (Geoffrey) Talbert of Colorado, Eric Mellencamp and Casey (Amber) Mellencamp of Somerset, Kentucky. Crystal (Corey) Blevins of Texas, and Patrick Ponder and Paul (Christy) Ponder, of Brownstown; and several great nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father; his daughter, Carrie Jackson; brother, Kenny Ponder; nephew, David Sutton; and brother-in-law, Ted Mellencamp. 

A celebration of life for James will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Rudicel Family Event Center, 408 South State Street, North Vernon. 

Memorials may be made in honor of James through the funeral home for help with expenses.

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